The legs play but little part in my stroke after I reach my ball and yet at the top of my swing, they have every appearance of exerting considerable power. They do, but it is very slowly applied, because the body should not return to the position assumed in the address until the club head reaches the ball, and that takes more time than players realize. Jumping at the ball destroys the whole foundation of the position held by the body with reference to the ball, and a sudden or extra effort made with either leg, or both, will cause your head to move so that you do not see the ball clearly and you change the position of the pivotal center with relation to the ball.

The speed with which, as well as the manner in which, you can utilize the power of the legs will be governed by your ability to keep the head absolutely still. In my own case I find that I am not conscious of any effort made with the legs at all; apparently I use them principally to keep the tilt of the body constant. At any rate, it is plain from the photograph that my weight is well supported on the flat of my feet when I connect with the ball, and as in boxing, a blow delivered with the weight firmly planted on both feet has the greater power.

By observing the left arm you will see that it is in line with the club shaft. That should be evidence that the left arm is not applying power but is merely guiding the club. It will be seen from the photograph also that my head is still pointed at the spot upon which the ball rested, and I keep it there in order that the pivotal center will remain constant until the ball has left the club head. I then look up to see where my ball goes, and not before.

Many players keep their heads still until the instant before they connect with their ball and then they relax to get a heave which spoils the whole thing. When you connect properly with your ball with your head perfectly still there should be a total lack of the feeling of power, as everything should go into the ball and not to disturbing the frame. Everything is so smooth when you go through your ball properly that you are conscious of very little effort.

These two facts mastered thoroughly will do much to start you with a correct foundation upon which to develop a good game. The ability to hit the ball at all depends upon your being able to see what you are striking at and applying the power in a straight line during the time the club head is in contact with the ball is what governs your direction.